The Platte County Citizen

Park Hill South moved up another spot in the state rankings, setting up another big Suburban Conference Red Division matchup this week.

A dominating 42-13 win against Raytown on Friday, Sept. 16 in Raytown, Mo. improved the Panthers to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in league play. They jumped one spot from a tie for ninth in the Class 5 Missouri media poll to eighth with a matchup against Liberty North (2-3, ranked No 10 in Class 5) on Friday at Park Hill District Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Liberty North’s lone Red Division loss came two weeks ago to Liberty (5-0), also undefeated in league and ranked No. 4 in Class 5. Park Hill South follows the matchup against Liberty North with a trip to Liberty, meaning the next two weeks will likely decide the Red Division title between the three schools.

Coming off a two-win season in 2015, Park Hill South now has two two-game winning streaks this season.

A well-rounded offensive showing against Raytown helped provide the best result of the season so far for the Panthers. They led 21-6 at halftime and put up 14 more unanswered in the third quarter.

Park Hill South senior quarterback Zach Suchanick completed 10 of 14 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns, two going to senior wide receiver Jake Springer in his second straight monster performance on offense. He caught five passes for 57 yards overall and led the way for the passing game with senior Dillon Thomas out due to injury.

Caeden Bowen also continued to be the top running option for Park Hill South, totaling 117 yards and two more scores. Suchanick also had a short rushing touchdown.

Raytown (1-4) managed just 137 yards of offense.

Park Hill South senior linebacker Payton Ireland recorded seven tackles (one for loss) and a sack, while senior linebacker Conner Campbell led the Panthers with nine total tackles. They did not force a turnover.